HOW TO TILE OVER EXISTING TILES

Tiling over existing tiles can be a cost-effective way to update the look of your home without having to remove the old tiles first. However, it is important to follow a few key steps to ensure that the new porcelain tiles adhere properly and look great. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you tile over existing tiles. Here is the few steps.

The first step in tiling over existing tiles is to clean the surface thoroughly. This means removing any dirt, dust, grease, or other debris that may be on the tiles. Use a scrub brush and a solution of warm water and mild soap to clean the tiles. Rinse the surface with clean water and let it dry completely. This step is important because the new tiles need a clean surface to adhere to.

Before you start tiling over existing tiles, it is important to check if the tiles are level and stable. Check for cracks, warps, or other issues that would prevent the new tiles from adhering properly. If the existing tiles are not level, you may need to level them out before tiling over them. Use a level to check if the tiles are flat, and use a patching compound or other material to level out any uneven tiles.

Once the surface is clean and level, apply a bonding primer to the surface of the existing tiles. A bonding primer is a product that is applied to the surface of the existing tiles to help the new tiles adhere better. This step is important because it helps ensure a strong bond between the new tiles and the old tiles. Follow the instructions on the bonding primer carefully, and allow it to dry completely before continuing.

Next, measure and cut the new tiles to fit the shape of the surface you’re tiling over. This may involve cutting the tiles to fit around corners, or to fit into small spaces. You can use a tile cutter, tile saw, or a scoring tool and breaker to cut the tiles to size. Make sure to wear protective gear, such as gloves and safety glasses, when cutting the tiles.

Now it’s time to spread the thin-set mortar onto the surface. Thin-set mortar is a type of adhesive that is used to secure the new tiles to the surface. Start by spreading a small amount of thin-set mortar in one corner of the surface, and place the first tile in the corner. Press down firmly on the tile to ensure a good bond with the thin-set mortar. Repeat this process, working your way across the surface, until all of the tiles are in place.

After all of the tiles are in place, let the thin-set mortar dry completely. This typically takes about 24 hours, but it may take longer depending on the conditions. It’s important to let the thin-set mortar dry completely before continuing to the next step.

Once the thin-set mortar is dry, it’s time to grout the joints between the tiles. Grout is a type of material that is used to fill the spaces between the tiles. Start by spreading a small amount of grout into the joints, using a grout float. Wipe off any excess grout, and let it dry completely. This typically takes about 24 hours, but it may take longer depending on the conditions.

Finally, it’s time to seal the grout to prevent staining. Grout is porous and can absorb stains, which can be difficult to remove once they have set in. Sealing the grout helps to protect it from staining and makes it easier to clean. Simply apply a grout sealer to the surface of the grout using a brush or a sponge. Allow the grout sealer to dry completely, and then your tiling project is complete.

In conclusion, tiling over existing tiles can be a cost-effective way to update the look of your home. However, it is important to follow these steps to ensure that the new tiles adhere properly and look great. Start by cleaning the surface, checking for level and stability, applying a bonding primer, cutting the new tiles to size, spreading thin-set mortar, letting the thin-set dry, grouting the joints, and sealing the grout. By following these steps, you can successfully tile over existing tiles and give your home a fresh, updated look.